Dec 14, 2017

AT THE RECENT PRESSCON of a new movie, writers were talking about the 37 counts of cyber libel against writer Jobert Sucaldito affirmed by the courts. This is not for his regular column in a tabloid but for his posts on Facebook against a talent manager and a singer. It started as blind items but Jobert eventually named them, Cornerstone Talent Management’s Ericson Raymundo and his talent, Erik Santos.

The case against him was filed on March 30, 2017 and the affirmation of its elevation to a higher court due to sufficient grounds was made on October 12, 2017 by Prosecutors Julian Ilao and Jaime Villanueva, who wrote:

“A careful scrutiny of the Facebook posts complained of disclosed that they were ostensibly made with malice tending to insult and tarnishes the reputation of Mr. Raymundo and Santos, and Cornerstone. The fact that Mr. Sucaldito is alleging that the company of Mr. Raymundo was undercutting projects from other people, employing underhanded means in order to book artists under his management, engaging in unfair competition, and becoming swell-headed, disparage the integrity of the latter.

“Further, the fact that Mr. Raymundo is the President and Founder of Cornerstone should be sufficient to prejudice Mr. Raymundo with Mr. Sucaldito's accusations and allegations. These accusations smack of bad faith and reveal an intention to besmirch the name and reputation of Mr. Raymundo, as well as Cornerstone.”

Jobert can still file for an appeal and fight for his case, but this will be a tedious process. “Ang mahirap diyan, yung abala,” says one writer. “Gigising ka nang napakaaga tuwing may hearing. At magastos din dahil babayaran mo yung attorney’s fees mo.”

The case should be a lesson learned not only for writers but for all those who post defamatory statement on social media. Everyone should really, really be more careful now. As they say, think before you click.